Noteworthy BMW Models from the Last Decade
The last ten years feel like they’ve flown by. What seems even more surprising to me, however, is how much BMW has progressed in their styling and performance. Models from the beginning of the decade feel like both relics from the distant past and brand-new at the same time. I still think of the LCI E9X models as ‘modern’ BMWs, but I also think of them as ancient when compared to the newest G20 platform released last year. Whether it feels like yesterday or like a century ago, ten years have passed and we are left with reflections of all we, and BMW, have accomplished. Today, we’re going to take a look back at some of our favorite BMWs released in the last ten years. In no particular order, these cars stood out to us in one way or another and have been cars we largely forgot until now or spent thousands of hours in parts development getting to know them intimately. Let’s take a stroll back through time and check out why we like these models before we say hello to the next ten years. | 
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BMW i8
The i8 is a hybrid ‘supercar’ that launched with some high expectations and stirred up quite the buzz (pun intended) around its gasoline and electric hybrid powerplant and wild stylings. While it has largely fallen out of popular culture thanks to a certain eccentric billionaire’s little home-grown company and their line of Electric Vehicles, the i8 is still one of our favorites. It proves BMW still has that forward-thinking mentality that will keep them relevant in the next decade, but definitely don’t take themselves too seriously.
Sculpted styling designs, functional aero components, a throwback body profile to the E31, and a massive price tag made the i8 appealing to tech enthusiasts and die-hard BMW enthusiasts alike. We think BMW taking the risk to develop an early hybrid-powered supercar that looks incredible, always turns heads, and doesn’t burn quite as many dinosaurs as some of its competitors. | | 
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X2
Somewhat running the other direction entirely from the i8, the F39 X2 is an attempt by BMW to stay up with the trend of small crossovers that offer more utility than a compact sedan without sacrificing the ‘sportier’ driving feel native to the low center of gravity and lightweight nature of the smaller cars. While the X1 was certainly their first foray into the compact sport crossover market, we think BMW hit their stride with the X2. Honestly, the biggest reason it stuck out to us was the throwback roundels on the c-pillar that are reminiscent of the 3.0csl. Its modern take on some vintage styling cues wrapped up in the contemporary trend’s garb of a compact crossover makes it memorable. It may not be the sportiest example of the Ultimate Driving Machine, but it certainly does a whole lot well. It looks good, performs its job with dignity, and is certainly a damn sight better than the competition, especially with the wonderful color options available to set it apart from the grayscales that have become the standard. |
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F30 335i
With the success of the N54-powered E9X 335i, the followup with the N55-powered F3X version initially felt somewhat underwhelming. While arguably more reliable, the N55 featured one fewer turbo and much less potential for incredible horsepower figures. However, since its debut, the N55 has become a true successor to the popularity of the N54 by finding its way into the hearts of enthusiasts who prefer reliable power from bolt-ons without sacrificing integrity or dependent on exhaustive maintenance and future-proofing. Some of our favorite upgrades we have designed over the last few years were developed for the N55, like our new Catted Downpipe, Carbon Fiber Intake, and Stepped Intercooler that help wakes up the engine when paired with our newest tune. The N55 may have had a rocky start, but the practicality of the sedan version of the 335i and six-speed manual availability make it one of our favorites from BMW over the last decade. | | | 
| Z4/Supra MK5
Ok, while not a BMW in the purest sense of the word, we can’t leave out the Z4/Supra combo. Partnered with Toyota, BMW helped bring back one of the most iconic names in motorsports by reviving the Supra with the long-awaited MK5 A90. The Z4 was definitely overshadowed by its hot boi counterpart, but that’s ok. With BMW’s long and celebrated history developing boosted inline engines and Toyota’s penchant for producing reliable, attainable, and competent cars, the Z4/Supra was an instant hit, despite fanboys everywhere crying over its lack of a manual transmission option. We just appreciate it for what it is: a competitive successor to the original character of the Supra name with some BMW thrown in for good measure. We have already seen the popularity explode on the Toyota side. Now we just need to see the same kind of enthusiasm for the Z4 version. Hopefully, the aftermarket catalog we are developing will help push the Z4 into the spotlight as the refined, powerful, and stylish counterpart to the Supra that it deserves to be. | | 
| M235i
Another N55-powered model to grace this list, the M235i is probably my personal favorite from BMW over the last decade. As an E30 fanboy, the M235i feels like a return to form for BMW that appeals to enthusiasts like me with a compact coupe focused on performance rather than convenience to offer a pure and uncompromising driving experience. While the 1-series was a hit in its own right, the M235i felt like a ‘greatest hits’ album that completely delivered on BMW’s promise to bring enthusiasts a car that appealed to their nostalgic love for the E30 chassis. It was well balanced, lightweight, capable, and incredibly powerful. The M2 carried that over, but I don’t find it different enough to warrant my attention like the M235i certainly does. I absolutely adore this little scamp and would love to pick one up. I think it has to be my favorite car hands down from BMW in recent years. | | 
| X7
The largest BMW ever, the X7 is BMW’s first real full-sized SUV. Introduced long after the world moved away from full-sized popularity, the X7 is just an exercise in opulence and was developed despite the waning interest in that segment. It exists simply because BMW wanted to make it, not because anyone asked for it. That alone makes it deserve a spot on this list since it was produced simply because BMW wanted to. That kind of move is rare in the modern world, where everything (like the Supra) is a fan service or a throwback to something. It was a bold move, BMW, and we hope it pays off for you. | |
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1M
Finally, to round out our list, the 1M is probably BMW’s coolest addition to its lineup in the last ten years. Yet another ‘throwback’ to the E30 platform, the small, straight-six, twin-turbo, manual transmission coupe checked all the enthusiast boxes. It was wide, gorgeous, came in funky colors, was only available as a 6-speed, and only about 6,300 were ever produced, giving it an air of exclusivity. You have to be a real enthusiast to seek out and throw down cash for one of these, but they are definitely worth the premium, even ten years later. Nothing proves BMW can still produce fun cars quite like the 1M. We certainly hope to see more of this in the next decade, maybe even with an electric motor…? | | Of course, this list is completely subjective and somewhat arbitrary. I can’t say many bad words about any BMW, even the slew of models produced in the last decade that has definitively been a gradual shift away from dedicated performance to a ‘do it all’ mentality. What we really want to know is your favorite BMW from the last decade.
So be sure to email [email protected] with your story and why you think we got it right, or what you would pick as your favorite model to come from our favorite Bavarian automaker since 2010. Oh, and Happy New Year, everyone! We can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store for Turner Motorsport and the BMW community. |
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